Magnetic strap

ABSTRACT

A magnetic strap includes a base, a first connecting end extending from the base and a second connecting end extending from an opposing side of the base. A first magnetic material is coupled to the first connecting end. A second magnetic material is coupled to the second connecting end. The base folds upon itself such that the first magnetic material is attracted to and releasably retains to the second magnetic material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to securing a towel to an exercise mat and, more particularly, to a magnetic strap that secures a towel to an exercise mat.

Mats are used for safety during exercise, and in training new skills. They are usually a piece of foam ranging from 1.5-28 inches thick, covered in a vinyl or plastic lining. The foam ranges in density from relatively firm to very soft. Mats are very common at gyms, where many people may use the same mat in one day. For sanity purposes, towels are commonly placed over the mats during exercise. However, due to exercise activity and sweat, current towels can bunch up and move out of place relative to the mat, which is an inconvenience.

To prevent the towels from moving out of place, a non-slip towel, regular clips or weights may be used. Non-slip towels are expensive and can only be used once at a time for the specific function of exercise. If someone wants to exercise multiple times in one day, or even on consecutive days, they would have to purchase more than one of the single use towels, or the towel would have to be washed before being used again. Regular clips and weights on all four corners can get in the way of the workout, not allowing one to utilize the entire mat, and one may step on them and get hurt. It is also bulky and those methods have the potential to damage the mat.

As can be seen, there is a need for an inexpensive, unobtrusive device, for securing a towel to an exercise mat.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus comprises a strap comprising a base, a first connecting end extending from the base and a second connecting end extending from an opposing side of the base; a first magnetic material coupled to the first connecting end; and a second magnetic material coupled to the second connecting end, wherein the base folds upon itself such that the first magnetic material is attracted to the second magnetic material.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in use;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged detail perspective view indicated by line 2-2 in FIG. 1, illustrating the present invention in a holding position;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged detail perspective view, illustrating an embodiment of the present invention in an open position;

FIG. 4 is a detail cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the present invention in an open position;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the present invention in use;

FIG. 9 is a detail cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the present invention in an open position;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the present invention in an open position;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the present invention in use;

FIG. 14 is a detail cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is detail cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention in an extended position;

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the present invention in an open position;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 17-17 in FIG. 16; and

FIG. 18 is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the present invention in an open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 18, the present invention includes a magnetic strap. The strap 10 includes a base 16, a first connecting end 17 extending from the base 16 and a second connecting end 19 extending from an opposing side of the base 16. A first magnetic material 18 is coupled to the first connecting end 17. A second magnetic material 20 is coupled to the second connecting end 19. The base 16 folds upon itself such that the first magnetic material 18 is attracted to and releasably retains to the second magnetic material 20.

The strap 10 of the present invention is made of a material that allows the strap 10 to fold at the base 16. For example, the strap 10 is made of a fabric material. In certain embodiments, the strap 10 is made of a stretchable material 22 having a rubber elasticity. For example, the strap 10 is made of rubber and/or silicone.

The first magnetic material 18 and the second magnetic material 20 may be embedded within the strap 10 or attached to an outer surface of the strap 10. The first magnetic material 18 and the second magnetic material 20 may both include magnets or a combination of a magnet and a ferromagnetic metal. For example, the first magnetic material 18 is one or more magnets, and the second magnetic material 20 is one or more ferromagnetic metal plates. The first magnetic material 18 and the second magnetic material 20 are attracted to one another to secure a material in between the first connecting end 17 and the second connecting end 19.

The strap 10 of the present invention may be used to secure a towel 14 on top of an exercise mat 12. For example, a user may lay a towel 14 on top of the exercise mat 12. At each corner of the towel 14 and mat 12, the user may place the first connecting end 17 underneath the mat 12, fold the base 16 over the edges of the towel 14 and the mat 12 and place the second connecting end 19 on top of the towel 14. The first magnetic material 18 is attracted to the second magnetic material 20, thereby squeezing the towel 14 and the mat 12 together. The straps 10 are thereby used to prevent the towel 14 and the mat 12 from separating during exercise, such as yoga.

Referring to FIGS. 4 through 7, the present invention may include a plurality of gripping stubs 24. The strap 10 includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The base 16 folds so that the upper surface is facing itself. The plurality of gripping stubs 24 may protrude from the lower surface at the first connecting portion 17. The gripping stubs 24 are in contact with the floor, which prevents the mat 12 from sliding relative to the floor, thereby keeping the mat 12 and towel 14 in place.

Referring to FIGS. 8 through 12, the present invention may include straps 30 having additional elements to secure to the towel 14, mat 12, and floor. In such embodiments, the first connecting portion 17 may include a pair of protrusions forming a gap therebetween. Each of the protrusions may include the first magnetic materials 18. The pair of protrusions allows the strap 30 to better secure the mat 12 and the towel 14 together. In such embodiments, the present invention may further include gripping layers 36 coupled to the upper surface and the lower surface at the first connecting portion 17 and the second connecting portion 19. The gripping layers 36 may be rubber. The rubber gripping layers 36 are disposed above and below the magnetic materials 18, 20 and comes into contact with the bottom of the mat 12 as well as with the top of the towel 14 providing increased traction.

Referring to FIG. 13 through 18, the present invention includes straps 40 that have retractable and extendable connecting portions 17, 19. In such embodiments, the first connecting portion 17 and the second connecting portion 19 are retractable and extendable relative to the base 16. A first elastic strap 46 attaches the first connecting portion 17 to the base 16 and a second elastic strap 46 attaches the second connecting portion 19 to the base 16. The retractable and extendable straps 40 allows a user to adjust the length to fit various thicknesses of mat 12 and towel 14 combinations.

The present invention stays flush on the mat when in use, allowing the person to get full usage out of the mat without worrying about stepping on it or it getting in the way of the exercise or activity. Even if stepped on, it will not interrupt the exercise. It is easy to carry, set up and it is light and unnoticeable. No damage is done to the mat either. The magnetic strap also allows people to use any type of towel they may have in their possession, as opposed to purchasing a special non-slip one, that has to be washed in order to be used more than once.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a strap comprising a base, a first connecting end extending from the base and a second connecting end extending from an opposing side of the base; a first magnetic material coupled to the first connecting end; and a second magnetic material coupled to the second connecting end, wherein the base folds upon itself such that the first magnetic material is attracted to the second magnetic material.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the strap is made of a material comprising a rubber elasticity.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the material is at least one of a rubber and a silicone.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an exercise mat and a towel disposed in between the first connecting end and the second connecting end.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the strap comprises an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the base folds so that the upper surface is facing itself.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a plurality of gripping stubs protruding from the lower surface.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first connecting portion comprises a pair of protrusions forming a gap therebetween.
 8. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising gripping layers coupled to the upper surface and the lower surface at the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are retractable and extendable relative to the base.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a first elastic strap attaching the first connecting portion to the base and a second elastic strap attaching the second connecting portion to the base. 